THE HOLIDAY HOOKUP LIST

High school enemies fall in love in their 20s.

Manhattan lawyer Valencia Torres is newly single. Her ex-fiancé, a man she had been dating since high school, cheated on her and then blamed his behavior on her busy work schedule. When her friend Fern invites her out to a holiday bash, Valencia is determined to dance her troubles away. Instead, she runs into Gideon Noble, her teenage arch-nemesis. Gideon has always regretted the years he teased and tormented Valencia. He’s hoping for the opportunity to apologize but is surprised and distracted by their incendiary chemistry on the dance floor. Valencia isn’t shy about what she wants and invites Gideon back to her apartment for what she assumes will be a one-night stand. Gideon’s heartfelt apology for his past behavior convinces her he’s changed, and they decide to extend their affair. Both of them have recently lost parents and are facing the holidays alone. They agree to spend the next 12 nights together until Christmas Day, at which point they’ll go their separate ways. Together they make a “Naughty and Nice” list for each day: a sexy activity paired with a holiday-themed outing in the city. Their high-heat bedroom games are provocative and notably equitable; Valencia insists they must each try every activity as both giver and receiver. Daria’s story is a fun and sexy holiday romp, but the emotional beats feel simple, even facile. Gideon and Valencia build a relationship by excavating their past, but their focus on discussing high school drama comes at the expense of more in-depth exploration of the adult worries and concerns they currently face.

Sure to please those looking for a sexy holiday read.